In early 2012, the future founder of Voilà Chocolat, Peter Moustakerski ‘04BUS, was hosting his daughter’s 10th birthday at a make-your-own arts & crafts shop on the Upper West Side. He noticed how everyone at the party — both kids and adults alike — became joyfully immersed in their hands-on creativity and derived pure happiness from the shared tactile experience. A long-time chocoholic, amateur chocolate scholar, and professionally trained chocolatier, Moustakerski related the experience to how he felt whenever he made his own artisanal chocolates. That was the first moment when he knew he had to create Voilà Chocolat, to share that feeling and that magic with others.
After extensive research and planning, Moustakerski left his successful career as strategy consultant and wealth manager, and assembled a “dream team” to help him bring Voilà Chocolat to life. He recruited a diverse team, from a nationally-recognized Master Chocolatier and pastry chef to a senior chocolate scientist, to create a unique place where every-day consumers — not only trained chocolatiers — could experience the fun and magic of crafting beautiful, delicious chocolates with friends, family and colleagues. The first Voilà Chocolat atelier opened in December 2014 on the Upper West Side of Manhattan.
Voilà Chocolat has a simple vision: create unexpected happiness for all its customers. Its mission is to delight its customers with fun, artisanal and educational chocolatiering experiences, led by hospitable and knowledgeable staff, using the highest-quality ingredients, and promoting environmental sustainability and healthy living. Located just steps from the 79th Street stop of the 1 train on the Upper West Side, Voilà Chocolat is a pioneering concept specializing in hands-on make-your-own-chocolate experiences and activities.
As an artistic material, chocolate is endlessly fascinating, complex, and creative to work and play with. The Voilà Chocolat team is now dedicated to helping everyone discover for themselves the surprisingly rewarding and entertaining experience of making chocolates. In their beautiful Upper West Side venue, guests of all ages learn and apply traditional chocolatiering techniques using top-quality Guittard chocolate. Guests can drop in for à-la-carte activities, purchase a ticket to one of their educational classes, or reserve their private party room to organize an unforgettable birthday celebration of corporate event.
Please visit Voilà Chocolat at www.voila-chocolat.com to reserve a walk-in activity, book a class, inquire about renting their space for a private event, or simply to buy luxurious, fresh artisanal chocolates and gift cards at their online shop.